12/16/2011

Alternative Energy Committee to continue working through 2012

The Town's Alternative Energy Committee has been given another year to continue its work identifying alternate and cost-effective energy measures for municipal and school buildings.

The Town Council on Dec. 12, 2011 voted to extend the ad hoc committee's duration to Dec. 31, 2012.

"I just want to thank the Alternative Energy Committee for all the work they have done," said council Chairman Sara Lennon, who has served as the council's representative to the group. "It's really thorough and amazing work and really helpful for the town," she said.

The committee was formed in 2007 and charged with exploring opportunities to provide alternative energy to municipal and school buildings and vehicles. Its term, set to expire at the end of 2008, was extended to the end of 2010 and again to 2011. In 2009 the Alternative Energy Committee was recognized by the Greater Portland Council of Governments for best practices in sustainability planning.

At their most recent meetings, committee members have reviewed the effectiveness of solar heating systems at the Middle School and High School, and discussed the pros and cons of geothermal systems already working at schools in Westbrook and at the University of Southern Maine in South Portland.

According to recent meeting minutes, the committee is also exploring performance contracting with an Environmental Service Contracting Organization. Under a performance contract, the organization would, at no initial cost to the Town, conduct an audit of Town buildings to evaluate potential efficiencies that could be gained over the next 10 or more years. The organization would then propose to complete energy upgrades, such as replacing boilers at the Town Hall or windows at the schools, and be reimbursed by collecting a portion of the savings gained by these efficiencies for a contract period of up to 15 years.